FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS AND OTHER ANNUAL EVENTS IN Florence

There are a number of festivals, holidays and other events celebrated in Florence each year. The main ones are listed below.

On New Year's Eve, Florence offers many activities: gourmet dinners, dances, lively markets, and Renaissance festivities.

The feast of the Epiphany is celebrated in Florence with the traditional Ride of the Magi: an impressive procession across the city on horseback and in Renaissance costume. The witch Befana distributes candy to children who have been good and coal to those who have been bad.

Spread over several weeks in February, the Carnival of Florence goes into full swing on the day of Mardi Gras. The public is invited to join the procession of colourfully costumed characters in the heart of the ‘City of the Red Lily'.

A musical procession accompanied by a costumed parade follows a carriage drawn by white oxen that is filled with fireworks up to Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral. At the end of the Easter Mass, the Archbishop launches a dove-shaped rocket onto the carriage, triggering a spectacular fireworks display.

To commemorate the end of World War II in Italy, celebrations and parades are held throughout the city.

Artistic associations organise events in the historic centre of the city: performances, workshops, street theatre, and more.

To commemorate the birth of the Italian Republic in 1946, celebrations, fireworks displays, parades and street dances are held all over Florence and other Italian cities.

On the anniversary of the birth of St. John the Baptist, the patron saint of Florence, the city organises historical parades and games of Calcio Fiorentino (an ancestor of football, which is played in traditional medieval costume). In the evening, fireworks light up the city centre.

The San Lorenzo district celebrates the birth of its patron saint with parades, street performances, traditional dances, lasagne and watermelon tastings, and more.

To celebrate the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, masses and processions are held in her honour in churches and streets throughout the historic centre.

On the eve of the anniversary of the birth of the Virgin, rificolone (“lanterns” in Tuscan) illuminate the streets and windows of the city.

On the eve of the anniversary of the birth of the Virgin, rificolone (“lanterns” in Tuscan) illuminate the streets and windows of the city.

For this official commemoration of Italian reunification and the end of the First World War, military parades are held across the city.

In honour of the Virgin Mary, the Piazza della Santissima Annunziata welcomes the Fierucola dell'Immacolata, a popular market for local crafts and organic products.

Don't miss the illuminated Christmas craft market in Piazza Santa Croce.

Celebrate the birth of St. Stephen. Traditionally, Italians sit down to a large and festive meal with their families.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER IN Florence

Month	Min. Average Temperature (°C/F°)	Max. Average Temperature (°C/F°)	Average Rains (MM)	Best Time to Travel
January	2/35.6	10/50	62/2.4	Not the best period to go
February	4/39.2	11/51.8	66/2.6	Not the best period to go
March	6/42.8	14/57.2	70/2.8	Good period to go
April	9/48.2	18/64.4	67/2.6	Good period to go
May	12/53.6	23/73.4	68/2.6	Good period to go
June	16/60.8	27/80.6	56/2.2	Good period to go
July	18/64.4	31/87.8	43/1.7	Not the best period to go
August	18/64.4	30/86	66/2.6	Not the best period to go
September	15/59	26/78.8	72/2.8	Good period to go
October	12/53.6	21/69.8	86/3.4	Not the best period to go
November	7/44.6	14/57.2	107/4.2	Not the best period to go
December	4/39.2	10/50	81/3.2	Not the best period to go

Amerigo Vespucci-Peretola Florence International Airport

The Amerigo Vespucci-Peretola Florence airport is located about 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) northwest of the city centre of Florence.

• 1 terminal, divided into two sections: one for departures, the other for arrivals.

• By car
  • The centre of Florence is about 15 minutes from the airport, along the Viale Alessandro Guidoni and Viale Francesco Redi.
  • Parking is available at the airport. The first 15 minutes are free, then EUR 3 per hour and EUR 30 for the day. Long-term parking is also available: around EUR 12 per day for a minimum of four days.
  • Several car rental companies have counters, located in the arrivals area. Many are open on Sundays.

• By shuttle
  • The Vola in Bus company offers a shuttle service between the airport and Santa Maria Novella station (in the centre of Florence): on a daily basis with departures every 30 minutes, between 5:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. and 1 departure per hour until 12:30 a.m., for EUR 6 one way and EUR 10 round trip. The journey takes about 25 minutes.
• By Taxi
  • A taxi ranks are located in front of the arrivals area. A trip from the airport to the city centre (about 20 minutes) costs around EUR 22.
• Services: bars, restaurants, shops, free Internet access (Wi-Fi) and a post office in the airport.
• Telephone: +39 055 4242 / +39 055 4390 / +39 055 4798
• Website: www.aeroporto.firen ze.it/en/

GETTING AROUND Florence

It would be a shame to get around Florence only by car. Besides, most streets in the historic centre are restricted. Use buses and taxis—and walk, walk, walk!

Automobile

Holders of most driving licenses are allowed to drive in Italy. If you live in Italy for a period exceeding two years, your license must be exchanged for an Italian license.

The historic centre of Florence is pedestrian-only.

Several areas of the city are ‘limited traffic zones' accessible only to residents. If you arrive in Florence by car, it is recommended that you leave your car at the airport parking.

For more information on restricted traffic zones: https://ztl.comune.fi.it/

Bus

The historic centre of the city is served by Ataf, an eco-minibus service with four different routes: A, B, C and D. An extensive bus network covers the rest of the city and its periphery, between 5:30 a.m.12:30 a.m. approximately.

Bus tickets cost EUR 1.50 and are valid for 1.5 hours, including connections. Other tickets available: 24-hours (EUR 5), 3 days (EUR 12), and 7 days (EUR 18). 24-hour family tickets (2 adults and 2 children) cost EUR 6.

Taxi

Official taxis in the city are white. Tariffs are posted on the dashboard. Pick-up charges are EUR 3.30. Add EUR 1 per luggage.

Please note that you can't hail taxis in Florence: you have to go to a taxi stand. You can also book a taxi by phone (+39 055 4242 or +39 055 4390) or online (www.4242.it and www.4390.it ).

Bicycle

It costs around EUR 14 per day to rent a bike. There are many bike rental stations in Florence, including at Santa Maria Novella station.

Train

The main station of Florence, Santa Maria Novella, is within walking distance of the tourist centre and serves the main stations in cities throughout the country. A trip to Rome Tiburtina train station costs between EUR 15 and 50, depending on schedules.

Visitor information

Upon your arrival in Florence, you can get in touch with local tourism professionals for further information and to help organize your stay.

Offers practical information and useful recommendations (accommodation, restaurants, public transport, festivals, cultural events, etc.).

• Address: Via Cavour 1/R, 50129 Firenze
• Telephone: +39 055 290 832
• Website: www.firenzeturismo.it/en/

• Address: Via Manzoni 16, 50121 Firenze
• Telephone: +39 055 23 320

Medical information

See your doctor before you travel. Florence counts several hospitals and medical institutions, as well as quality medical practitioners and health specialists. It is recommended that you obtain insurance covering health care expenses as well as medical evacuation or repatriation before you leave home.

Administrative procedures

Entry requirements for Italy

For a stay of less than three months, travellers from the Schengen area and various countries of the European Union need only be in possession of a national identity card or a passport valid for the duration of their stay in order to enter Italy.
As a general rule, all other travellers are subject to visa requirements, although citizens of some countries may enter Italy for a short stay of up to 90 days without a visa.

For further information, visit the website of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: vistoperitalia.esteri.it/home/en

Essential phrases

Good to know

+39

+ phone number (without the 0)

-6 : 00
of time difference with
Ho Chi Minh City

Start of daylight saving time: last Sunday in March
End of daylight saving time: last Sunday in October

Usually open Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Usually open Monday to Friday, mornings only.

220 V / 50 Hz

Tipping

Tipping is often included in the bill, under the header “servizio” (service). However, you can leave a tip if you've been pleased with the service. In the bill, you will sometimes find the header “pane e coperto” (bread and cutlery) which corresponds to bread and setting. Make sure the price includes tip and setting.